March 2, 2020
Dear WSU Press community: This has been a tumultuous period for Wayne State University Press, but I am pleased to write from a much happier position now that things are settling down. As spring approaches, the season of rebirth, we are feeling energized with a new sense of purpose and hope for the future. Let me update you on where we are now. I have agreed to step in temporarily as interim director and have been on the job for the past week. Annie Martin, Emily Nowak, and Kristin Harpster have been reinstated and returned to work this week. We didn't lose Carrie Teefey, thank goodness. The Press now reports to Michael Wright, President Wilson's Chief of Staff and Vice President of Marketing and Communications. We are so grateful to President Wilson for his strong support of the Press, and Michael has been tireless in his efforts on our behalf over the past couple of weeks. He's already gotten to know us, and we him, and his support and enthusiasm for our work has buoyed our spirits. We feel confident this support will continue. Press staff members Carrie Teefey, Marie Sweetman, Jamie Jones, Kristina Stonehill, Julie Warheit, Theresa Martinelli, Bonnie Russell, Delisa Fields, Todd Richards, and Aaron Hearn stepped up to keep things running during two weeks of disruption and uncertainty. We honor their hard work and leadership and are thrilled to rejoin them. We are so proud of the work we do at Wayne State University Press. Personally, this experience has made all the more real to me how much the publishing enterprise is all about building and maintaining relationships, and trust is essential to making it all work. We are jumping right in to make up for any lost time in publication schedules or otherwise keeping our commitments, to make repairs where necessary, and to rebuild trust, both internally and with our communities of authors, editors, board members, booksellers, sales reps, vendors, other publishing industry colleagues, Wayne State supporters, and readers. If we've lost some of your confidence, please know that we are determined to win it back by what we do and how we do it. We have seen how large the circle of support is around us, and we are grateful to all of you for your efforts on behalf of Wayne State University Press. We have been overwhelmed by the passionate responses and the many kindnesses shown. On behalf of all of us at the Press, thank you. We wouldn't be here without you.
Warmly,
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